Do this before you start drains pipes installation

Before starting any plumbing and drainage work yourself you should find out about any Local Authority regulations that relate to your area.

If you are changing your current drainage, or installing a new system, you will most definitely be asked to show detailed plans of the implementation that you have in mind and it will need to be overseen as the work moves forward to ensure that it is compliant with local building rules. In most cases they do not need to be notified for a simple replacement of broken parts.

Surface water is basically rain. In older properties this can discharged into a foul water drainage system whereas in other properties this can discharged into a soakaway, watercourse or a surface water sewer. The rainwater pipes in combined sewage systems empty their discharge into the foul water drains through gully traps, this prevent foul air from escaping outside creating odours. However, modern systems are designed to keep the foul water and the surface water apart. Foul water should never be connected to surface water drainage system with any new drainage development you undertake. If you are unsure about the sewage system around your house get advice from the Building Control Department before you start any work.

Designing the path of the waste passageways will be your first task. The route should be as short and straight as possible, this will help to reduce future maintenance problems and costs. You must avoid making your pipe runs too steep. Using surveyor’s site level you can calculate the fall of a drain over a distance to check the values. If you do not have one of these available, establish a datum point and use a hose filled with water to establish levels and calculate the fall from the datum this way.

Be very careful not to excavate too close to your home, as you may undermine the foundation and cause a structural collapse. The foundation of the building should not be undermined by your digging if the drainage runs parallel to it.

While installing a new sewage system make sure that you do not dig too long before laying the pipe. Make certain that the pipes are laid as soon as possible and then bury them immediately after the testing and inspection are completed.

Be wary of the depth and soil conditions and if necessary add extra support to the trench. Do not take any risks. If you are not sure prop up the ditch anyway to prevent it from falling. Keep the ditch as narrow as possible, but allow room to work in the trench. Be sure to remove any stones or bricks from the ditch bed and make it as even as possible. The base should be good so you may need to import material if the existing soil structuire is not up to the mark.

Bricks and/or any other sturdy material should never be used to prop up the pipe in the ditch. Even if used for just a temporary support this can damage the pipe. For accommodation of the joints in the pipes,the bedding should be compacted in a regular way with hollows made a appropriate points. A good guideline is that support should be provided for the entire length of the pipe.

The drainage system should be designed in a way that pipework remains accessible to drain rods should drainage maintenance work be required. This need for drain rod access can be easily achieved by keeping the pipeline straight and in short sections. In case of any change in the direction of the pipework it should be provided with an inspection chamber for allowing drains rod access.

Following this guide you can see that DIY plumbing and drainage can be delivered by conscientious DIY enthusiasts.

Guidance for using plastic pipes in drains

Pipe shall be delivered to the development site and handled by means which provide adequate support to the pipe and does not subject it to undue stresses or damage. When handling and placing plastic pipe, care shall be taken to prevent impact blows, abrasion damage, and gouging or cutting (by metal surfaces or rocks). All special handling requirements of the manufacturer shall be strictly observed. Special care shall be taken to avoid impact when the pipe must be handled at temperatures of 40oF or less. Pipe shall be stored on a relatively flat surface so that the barrels are evenly supported. Unless the pipe is specifically coated to withstand exposure to ultraviolet radiation, it shall be covered with an opaque material when stored outdoors for a period of 15 days or longer. When laying the underground drainage pipe the following rules should be followed. Plastic pipe conduits and fittings shall be installed as shown on the drawings. The pipe shall be laid so that there is no reversal…...

Posted in Drains